Protecting Workers from Heat-Related Illness

Jun 26, 2017 09:30AM
● By Digital Media Director

By: Lori Berdahl

The rising temperatures of summer bring a higher risk of
heat-related illness. Those required to work in the heat are especially
vulnerable. Workers should be encouraged to take precautions, watch for common
signs and symptoms, and administer first aid quickly.

OSHA recommends acclimating workers to the heat by
shortening or gradually increasing shifts for the first 5 to 7 high-temperature
work days. Before acclimation, body temperature and pulse rate are higher, and
general discomfort level is greater. Gradually increasing exposure to heat has
been found to increase the sweat rate and gradually decrease other negative
responses allowing workers to perform in the heat with less distress. However,
even after becoming acclimated, workers should be encouraged to take more
frequent rest breaks and follow other precautions to avoid heat-related
illness.

Workers should be reminded and encouraged to drink plenty of
fluids before, during, and after exertion, even if they don’t feel thirsty. The
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that
each worker drink 1 cup of fluid for every 15 to 20 minutes of moderate
activity in moderate heat conditions. Good choices include water, lemonade,
diluted fruit juices, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks; caffeine and alcohol
should be avoided.

Wearing a wide brim hat is a good choice because it protects
the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp from the direct heat. Wearing
light-weight, light colored, loose fitting clothing and periodically placing a
cold rag on the neck to lower body temperature are two more effective
prevention measures.

Because early treatment is so critical, workers should be
encouraged to use a buddy system to watch for signs and symptoms of
heat-related illness in each other. OSHA recommends administering first aid
measures at the work site immediately upon the first signs of heat-related
illness.

Heat rash appears as clusters of red bumps often on the
neck, upper chest, and folds of the skin. The skin irritation is caused by
sweat that does not fully evaporate. Keeping the affected areas dry, and
avoiding prolonged work in hot, humid environments is recommended.

Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps caused by loss of body
salts and fluid during sweating. Arm, leg, and abdominal muscles are among
those most frequently involved. Affected workers should rest in a shady, cool
area while drinking water, diluted fruit juices, or electrolyte-rich sports
drinks. They should wait a few hours before resuming strenuous work, and should
be encouraged to seek medical attention if the cramping continues.

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to loss of water and
salt from heavy sweating. Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness,
irritability, thirst, fast heartbeat, and heavy sweating. Affected workers
should immediately sit or lie down in a cool, shady area and drink plenty of
cool water, diluted fruit juices, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Others
should provide cold compresses/ice packs, observe symptoms, and drive the
worker to medical care if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 45 to 60
minutes.

If ignored or not adequately treated, heat exhaustion could
lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related
illness, occurring when the body becomes unable to regulate its core
temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess
heat. Workers should be encouraged to watch themselves and others for the
additional symptoms, which can include confusion, loss of consciousness, and
seizures. Because heat stroke can quickly shut down major body organs causing
heart, liver, kidney, and muscle damage, it is a medical emergency and workers
should seek medical care by calling 911 immediately.

Providing simple reminders to take precautions and watch for
symptoms can go a long way toward preventing dangerous heat-related illness.
Stay cool and stay safe!

Lori Berdahl is an occupational therapist and holds the
Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialist designation. She is an Ergonomics and
Loss Control Specialist with RAS.